A last Warning For The Priests
January 19, 2020
Commentary
Levi was the ancestor of the tribe of Levites, the tribe set apart for service to God (Num. 1:47-54). These Levites became God’s priests, first in the tabernacle, then in the temple. The priests in Malachi’s day had stopped loving God and thus they did not know nor care what He wanted. They claimed God as their father and professed to be serving Him but showed Him no respect. God warned these priests that if they did not honor His name, he would punish them (vv. 1-2). These solemn words are addressed to the very people who should have been a source of blessing to the remnant. If they continued in their willful disobedience and refused to render to God the glory due to Him, they would be accursed. The blessings which Israel had been able to enjoy would be transferred into curses. The dung of frustration, shame and disgrace would cover the faces of the priests (v. 3). This was in fulfilment of the terms of the Palestinian covenant between God and the nation of Israel (Duet. 28:3-25).
God is warning the priests that they should listen to the laws He gave their ancestor Levi and follow his example (vv. 4-6). Life and peace were promised by the Lord to the Levites who faithfully adhered to the terms of the covenant. In return for this promise the Levites were to revere the name of the Lord and to express their reverence in obedient and loyal service. One of the tasks of the priests was to instruct the people in righteousness and obedience (v. 7). The priests that Malachi was addressing had disregarded the covenant and caused many of the Jews to stumble (v. 8). They had allowed influential and favored people to break the law (v. 9). There should be no double standard based on wealth or position. Let our standards be those presented in God’s Word. Playing favorites is something God hates.
Application
As a leader in God’s work I must know God’s Word, what it says, what it means, and how it applies to daily life. That is why I need to spend time studying His Word and learning how to apply it.
Malachi 2:1– 9 (NET)
1 “Now, you priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If you do not listen and take seriously the need to honor my name,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will send judgment on you and turn your blessings into curses—indeed, I have already done so because you are not taking it to heart. 3 I am about to discipline your children and will spread offal on your faces, the very offal produced at your festivals, and you will be carried away along with it. 4 Then you will know that I sent this commandment to you so that my covenant may continue to be with Levi,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 5 “My covenant with him was designed to bring life and peace. I gave its statutes to him to fill him with awe, and he indeed revered me and stood in awe before me. 6 He taught what was true; sinful words were not found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and integrity, and he turned many people away from sin. 7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge of sacred things, and people should seek instruction from him because he is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 8 You, however, have turned from the way. You have caused many to violate the law; you have corrupted the covenant with Levi,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 9 “Therefore, I have caused you to be ignored and belittled before all people to the extent that you are not following after me and are showing partiality in your instruction.”
Illustration: Your Hours Are Running Out
You’ve inherited over one-half million-in fact your inheritance averages out to be 573,450-no, not in dollars but in something more important, TIME. The average person lives approximately 573,450 hours. But, your hours are running out. I know because mine are too. (National Institute of Financial Planning).